2 Hours 30, Colonial To Contemporary

Overview

This freetour.com walk runs from the Civic District to Marina Bay, tracing how Singapore grew from a colonial administrative quarter into the bayfront city it is today. The guide is Chew Keng Kiat, and the tour runs in English for 2 hours and 30 minutes. It starts at Exit B of City Hall MRT Station.

Along the way the group passes the National Gallery Singapore, including a panoramic view over the Civic District and the former chief justice's office, then the Old Parliament House, where the guide points out the venue's three treasures. The Merlion stop comes with the detail that there are actually two official Merlions, and the tour also takes in a sneak peek at the crown of Marina Bay Sands. Stories cover the early Civic District, the nation's maritime roots, the Singapore River, and the planning decisions behind the modern bayfront, plus some lesser-known anecdotes.

The operator describes it as comfortable for all ages, suitable for families with children and for people with reduced mobility, with no minimum number of attendees. Booking is free, and guests pay the guide what they think the walk was worth at the end.

Itinerary

1. Meet at City Hall MRTThe meeting point is Exit B, City Hall MRT Station, in the City Hall area.
2. Civic District to Marina BayThe walk runs from the Civic District to Marina Bay, with stories about the early Civic District, Singapore's maritime roots and the importance of the Singapore River.
3. National Gallery SingaporeThe group enjoys a panoramic view of the Civic District and visits the former chief justice's office.
4. Old Parliament HouseThe guide invites the group to look for the three treasures of the venue.
5. Merlion ParkThe stop at the Merlion comes with the detail that there are actually two official Merlions.
6. Collyer Quay and Olympic WalkCollyer Quay Centre and Olympic Walk are among the highlights on the route.
7. Marina Bay SandsThe tour includes a sneak peek at the crown of Marina Bay Sands, the Rain Oculus and the Marina Bay Overpass Viewing Point, plus talk of developments ahead for the bayfront.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points before booking, all drawn from the operator's freetour.com page for this walk.

• Meeting point. Meet at Exit B, City Hall MRT Station.
• Pace and terrain. The operator calls it an easy walk and suitable for people with reduced mobility.
• Group feel. The walk's freetour.com page describes the tour as comfortable for all ages and suitable for families with children. There is no minimum number of attendees, so the tour can run even with a small turnout.
• Language. The tour is conducted in English only. Travellers who need another language should check the guide's freetour.com page for this walk before booking.
• Photos. The route takes in the Merlion, the Marina Bay Overpass Viewing Point and the Rain Oculus at Marina Bay Sands, all spots where the operator encourages taking in the views. Bring a camera if you want to capture them.
• Paying the guide. Booking is free and guests pay the guide what they think the walk was worth at the end.

Common issues. No traveller reviews were available for this exact walk at the time of writing, so the honest limits come from the operator's own page. Pets are not allowed. The walk's freetour.com page states no additional cost and no minimum attendees, and the pay-what-you-want model means the amount given to the guide is up to each guest at the end.

Questions And Answers